Stay after the free virtual screening for a lively conversation with filmmaker Debbie Lum, as well as Richard Shapiro and Ian Wang, both featured in the film.

Presented by Alameda County Library in partnership with Albany FilmFest.

Paul Straghalis

At Lowell High School, the top-ranked public school in San Francisco, 70% of the students are Asian-American. Competition for spots at their dream colleges is stiff, and an anxious cram culture pervades the senior class. Debbie Lum’s sympathetic documentary simultaneously celebrates the multi-talented Lowell teens, as well as exposes the overwhelming stress put on high schoolers.

In a world where cool kids are nerds, the orchestra is world class and being Asian American is the norm, seniors at Lowell High School compete for the top prize: admission to the college of their dreams.

Try Harder!